Archive for the ‘Hotel Reviews’ Category

The recently opened Dine at Stevens is a development housed within the Mercure Singapore on Stevens and Novotel Singapore on Stevens, that boasts a grand total of 11 restaurants. A number of the outlets are housed in individual "pods" that are designed to resemble lily pads from an aerial view, while the rest are within the 2 hotels.

So what can you fine at Dine at Stevens? An impressive 11 different cuisines and various price points to choose from:

We were recently invited to check out Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre as they have a new promotion called Jump Start Your Weekend. I was keen to book a date soon after our return from our New Zealand travels, because you know, you always need another holiday to recover from the 1st holiday! And it’s also nice to be able to look forward to a little something when you feel depressed that your big holiday is over. And as for Edward, he loves hotels and is always keen to check out yet another! Staycation here we come!

As far as I can see, there are only 2 room types at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre and we were provided the Premier King room. We had asked for a room on a high floor and with a good view, something that we always ask for when we check into hotels. In this case, we managed to snag a 7th floor room (the hotel is 8 storeys high) and facing the expressway. Yes this is actually the better view because right across the expressway is the Istana grounds, so its basically greenery directly after the expressway. And I must say the windows were thick enough such that we couldn’t hear the expressway traffic anyway, so that was fine.

During our holiday in Melbourne, we had the opportunity to check out Collins Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt. The name Collins Kitchen might bring about a rather casual restaurant image in your mind, but it is actually a pretty contemporary looking restaurant with an ultra high ceiling and an enormous kitchen in full view of the restaurant.

While we were there, Burn City Smokers was helming the kitchen and they will be there until the end of November. Burn City Smokers, as their name suggests, are experts in the art of smoking with wood, combining traditional techniques with modern flavour and style. Their menu for Collins Kitchen include Tasmanian free range baby back pork ribs, smoked lamb rump, pork scratchings, corn bread and popcorn ice cream sandwiches. Basically all the good stuff that will leave you feeling like you’ve just been to a traditional Southern American barbecue.

The 3 of us were very impressed with the food, the ambience and the service. We managed to get a nice booth seat next to the windows so we felt like we were in our own little world, even though the restaurant was packed since it was Melbourne Cup day. Speaking of which, all the ladies were dressed to the nines, with their fascinators and all. Aside from the spring salad which was a little difficult to eat (too many long stems), we enjoyed all the dishes that we ordered. The meats were fabulous as expected. The hanger steak had beautiful flavour while my 8 hour smoked beef short ribs was bone tender and very rich tasting. It might actually be a good idea to share this, because a little goes a long way!

More than once during the meal, and during the course of my holiday, I mentioned to the Partner that we should plan another visit to Collins Kitchen. Great pricing (this meal would probably have cost much more in Singapore!) and a great experience, alas we just didn’t have time during our trip!

Margaret River Gourmet Escape will be happening on 18 – 20 November 2016 and I have been inundated with gorgeous pictures of the beautiful places in Margaret River, reminding me that I ought to share with the world pictures of my holiday in Margaret River instead of leaving them to fallow in the confines of my computer. It’s no secret that I love Margaret River, having been there twice. I spent 2 days in Margaret River during my 1st trip and 5 days during my 2nd trip, and even then it wasn’t enough!

Look at the clear blue sky and sea! It was fantastic to have the sea breeze blowing in our faces.

Smiths Beach Resort was one of the accommodations I stayed at when I was in Margaret River. If you’re looking for accommodations in Margaret River, especially one that is right smack next to the beach, Smiths Beach Resort would be one of my recommendations. The apartments are humongous, and if there are more people staying, two apartments can be combined into a villa of sorts. It’s also part of the Small Luxury Hotels chain, so you are assured of quality. I’ve stayed at a number of SLH hotels and I’ve loved each and every one of them.

When in Margaret River, wine is not the only beverage available. One can partake in the fine activity of sipping a spot of tea and having a few nibbles to go along, if you visit the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort near the Naturaliste Lighthouse. In fact, from now until 20 December 2015, you can enjoy their limited edition High Tea while enjoying a natural spectacle, the migration of the whales. They have a cute name for this too, it’s called Humpbacks and High Tea at the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. Makes me wish I’d bought a humpback whale soft toy to cuddle while writing this piece.

The views!

If you’re wondering, yes I did spot quite a number of water spouts in the distance, which does indicate that the whales are out there. I didn’t even have to use the binoculars thoughtfully provided by the hotel to spot the water spouts. Unfortunately none came up close during the 2 hours that I was enjoying my afternoon tea. Not that I spent 2 hours watching for whales though, I quite forgot about them after the decadent 3 tier afternoon tea set was served.